Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N

Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N. This eight-character code identifies Bank of America in the international payment system and is used when you send or receive money from outside the United States. The code breaks down as: BOFA (the bank identifier), US (the country), 3N (the location code for the main office).

You need this code when someone outside the US sends you money, or when you send money internationally and the receiving bank asks for it. The code routes your transfer through the global banking network to the correct Bank of America branch. Without it, an international payment may be delayed or rejected.

Bank of America also has additional SWIFT codes for specific branches and services. If you are sending money to a particular Bank of America location or for a specific purpose, you may need a different code. Your bank statement or the Bank of America website can confirm which code applies to your account.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America's main SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N, used for most international transfers to or from the bank.
  • SWIFT codes are required by the international banking system to route money correctly across borders.
  • You provide your SWIFT code to someone sending you money from abroad, or you use it when sending money internationally.
  • Bank of America may have additional SWIFT codes for specific branches or services; confirm the correct code with your bank before sending large transfers.

When you need to provide your SWIFT code

You need to give your SWIFT code to anyone sending you money from outside the United States. This includes family members, employers, or businesses paying you internationally. They will ask for it as part of the wire transfer or international payment setup.

You also provide your SWIFT code along with your account number and routing number when setting up international direct deposits or recurring payments from abroad. The sending bank uses all three pieces of information to ensure the money reaches your specific account at Bank of America.

If you are receiving a wire transfer and the sender asks for your SWIFT code, give them BOFAUS3N. If they ask for additional details like a branch code or reference number, contact Bank of America directly to confirm what information is needed for your specific account.

How SWIFT codes work in the payment chain

When money moves internationally, it passes through multiple banks. Your SWIFT code tells each bank in the chain which institution should receive the funds next. BOFAUS3N identifies Bank of America as the final destination in the United States.

The sending bank uses your SWIFT code to look up Bank of America in the international banking directory and determine how to route the transfer. Without a correct SWIFT code, the payment may go to the wrong bank, get delayed while the system tries to match it, or be rejected entirely.

The transfer also includes your account number and routing number, which direct the money to your specific account once it arrives at Bank of America. SWIFT code, routing number, and account number work together—each one serves a different part of the journey.

SWIFT codes versus routing numbers

A routing number is a nine-digit code used for domestic US transfers only. A SWIFT code is used for international transfers. Both identify Bank of America, but they work in different systems.

When someone in the US sends you money via ACH or wire transfer, they use your routing number. When someone outside the US sends you money, they use your SWIFT code. You may need to provide both if the sender is unclear about which system they are using.

Bank of America routing numbers vary by location and account type. Your SWIFT code (BOFAUS3N) is the same regardless of which Bank of America branch holds your account. If you are unsure which routing number applies to your account, check your checks or bank statement.

Finding your SWIFT code if you need it

Your Bank of America SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N for nearly all accounts and transfers. You do not need to look it up—this code is standard across the bank's US operations.

If you are sending money internationally and need to enter a SWIFT code for Bank of America, use BOFAUS3N. If you are receiving money and someone asks for your SWIFT code, give them the same code.

Some international payment platforms or banks may ask for a longer code that includes additional digits. Bank of America's full SWIFT code with branch information is BOFAUS3NXXX (the X's are padding). Either version—BOFAUS3N or BOFAUS3NXXX—will work for routing international transfers.

What to do if an international transfer is delayed or rejected

If money you were expecting does not arrive, ask the sender to confirm they used the correct SWIFT code (BOFAUS3N), your account number, and your routing number. A single digit wrong in any of these will cause the transfer to fail or be delayed.

Contact Bank of America and provide the sender's bank name, the amount, and the date the transfer was supposed to arrive. Bank of America can trace the payment through the international system and tell you where it is stuck. If it went to the wrong bank, they can help retrieve it.

If you are sending money internationally and the recipient says they did not receive it, ask your Bank of America representative to confirm the SWIFT code you used was correct. International transfers can take three to five business days even when everything is correct, so wait that long before investigating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BOFAUS3N the only SWIFT code Bank of America uses?

BOFAUS3N is the main code for Bank of America's US operations and works for the vast majority of international transfers. Bank of America may have additional codes for specific divisions or services, but you should use BOFAUS3N unless the recipient's bank specifically requests a different code.

Do I need my SWIFT code to send money internationally from Bank of America?

No. You need the recipient's SWIFT code, account number, and bank details. When you initiate an international wire transfer through Bank of America, you provide the recipient's information, not your own SWIFT code.

Can I use BOFAUS3N for transfers within the United States?

No. Domestic US transfers use routing numbers, not SWIFT codes. SWIFT codes are only for international payments. If you are sending money to another US bank, use the recipient's routing number instead.

What if the sender says they need a branch code in addition to the SWIFT code?

Some countries or banks require a branch code for additional routing information. Contact Bank of America and tell them which country the money is coming from—they can provide any additional codes or details the sender needs.

How long does an international transfer take if I provide the correct SWIFT code?

International transfers typically take three to five business days after the sending bank processes the payment, even with the correct SWIFT code. Some transfers may take longer depending on the sending country, the receiving country, and whether either bank needs additional information.